A surprise release by Bethesda has caught the attention of mobile gamers, reminiscent of the instant availability of Fallout Shelter back in 2015. The game in question is “The Elder Scrolls: Castles,” which appears to be a fusion of the Elder Scrolls universe with gameplay resembling Fallout Shelter. Currently, it’s exclusively available on Android and seems to be limited to hthe United States.
Interestingly, Bethesda has not officially announced the game, and it’s challenging to find it by searching the Google Play Store. It’s only discoverable by visiting Bethesda’s page within the store. This curious situation suggests that the release might not have been intentional, so players interested in the game should act swiftly in case it gets removed.
While I haven’t personally played the game due to not having an Android device, it bears visual similarities to Fallout Shelter, a management game where you construct a shelter and aim to keep your inhabitants content. However, some players have noted that it lacks the same visual charm as Fallout Shelter.
The game’s store page states, “Train your subjects, name heirs, and maintain order to help your kingdom flourish.” It poses questions about whether you can keep your subjects content or if they will become disgruntled and plot against the ruler. “The Elder Scrolls: Castles” is currently available for free on the Google Play Store.
Curiously, as of now, the game seems to be exclusive to Android. In the past, Fallout Shelter had a temporary exclusive period on iOS before launching on Android and other platforms. Whether “Castles” will come to iOS remains uncertain, but this could change as the game is still in early access.
In terms of gameplay, “The Elder Scrolls: Castles” lets you manage a cartoon-style castle, expand it with various rooms, and place workstations occupied by loyal subjects. These subjects are crucial for maintaining your castle’s resources. The game also offers choices that impact the outcome, much like Fallout Shelter’s Exploring assignments.
Additionally, the game allows you to create supply chains with neighboring kingdoms and resolve issues among your people. It promises “epic quests” where chosen heroes battle classic Elder Scrolls foes. The game operates on a time scale where an in-game year passes for every day in the real world, adding a dynastic aspect.
Regarding an iOS release, it’s still uncertain when or if it will happen. Early access on Android might indicate that the game will eventually arrive on iOS, but for now, it remains an Android exclusive. Bethesda’s plans for the game’s availability on other platforms are known only to them, and further updates may provide more clarity.